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A LEGEND 

OF GLENWOOD SPRINGS 


By / 

Emma Homan Thayer 

/ 



Chicago 

Colvin Publishing Company 

21-25 Plymouth Place 

1900 



yi. F. HALL PRINTING COMPANY 
CHICAGO 


A Legend of Glenwood 
Springs 

Alvin Tongen, with his pretty Norwegian 
bride, had been settled in their cosy cottage in 
a New Jersey village but a few years when his 
wife, Gertrude, began to lose her rosy cheeks, 
which day by day grew less in color until the 
delicate blue veins came out like danger sig- 
nals, and made the heart of Alvin leap in his 
throat when he saw them. 

^^Why, Gertrude, lass, where are your roses 
gone ? You are getting as pale as a lily.’’ 

It’s nothing, Alvin. I’m a little tired since 
the babies are growing so fast. You know they 
get heavy as they grow older.” 

The ^‘nothing” was a great deal when the 
doctor came, and x\lvin, walking with him 
to the little gate, asked anxiously, ‘^Well, 
Doctor ? ” 

‘^It’s bad enough, von Tongen; your wife 
has weak lungs. The disease is well started. 


A Legend of 
Glenwood 
Springs 


Take my advice ; lose no time in getting to the 
mountains. 

‘‘What ! leave our home ? Doctor, you can’t 
mean it ! ” 

“I mean it, sir ; either that, or your wife will 
go a longer journey alone.” And the doctor, 
with a stiff “good morning,” walked away) 
leaving the astonished man at the gate. 

Within a week the pretty cottage ' and its 
dainty furniture had a new occupant, and 
Alvin with his delicate wife and two children 
were on their way to the mountains. 

He was not a poor man, and now that his 
garden farm was well rented and his other be- 
longings turned into cash he had enough, as he 
said, “to give Gertrude every comfort until 
her health came back, and they came home 
again. ” 

Denver was only a small village when Alvin 
and his family, in company with a train of 
freighters, arrived in the new settlement. He 
was well equipped with two good covered wag- 
ons, and horses chosen for their strength and 
endurance. Gertrude’s bed was almost as 


2 


comfortable as her own at home and the moun- 
tain air had given her rest she had not known 
for months. 

Anxious to get nearer the mountains, Alvin, 
in company with another family, continued 
their journey, and put up their tents at the foot 
of the great Cheyenne Mountain. They were 
the first settlers in this region, which afterward 
became famous through the gold-seekers of the 
Pike’s Peak mining excitement. 

Alvin, junior, was a fine boy and just two years 
older than his sister Recha, who had her second 
birthday celebrated in the new log house which 
was to be their home for a year while Gertrude 
was to be restored to health — at least this was 
the time her husband had decided upon. 

The children grew strong and brown in the 
open air and sunshine, playing all day and 
going each trip a little higher up the mountain 
gathering wild flowers and gold stones, as they 
called the shining mica. Few white people 
were seen by the two families. Indians of the 
Ute tribe often rode by, and sometimes spoke 
a word with Alvin, making themselves under- 


A Legend of 

Glenwood 

Springs 


3 


A Legend of 
Glenwood 
Springs 

stood by signs. A fine iron spring was quite 
near the house and a cup was always by it, 
whicdi the Indians never failed to use, drinking 
heartily and grunting their thanks as they rode 
away. 

II. 

0 

On Recha’s second birthday the family were 
to spend the afternoon and take their luncheon 
up on the side of the mountain, near a 
spring Alvin had discovered while cutting logs 
for his house. The day was fine and Gertrude 
reached the spring somewhat fatigued, but 
bright and happy as the children. Recha 
begged her mamma to come for flowers, while 
Alvin and his father spread the luncheon. 

Gertrude forgot that she was not strong, and 
walked too far, so by the time she returned to 
her husband her strength was gone and she 
grew ill and begged to be taken back to the 
house. The children cried to stay, and Alvin 
placed them at the little table spread on the 
top of a rock and told them to eat and not 
leave the spring until he returned, which would 
be only a short time, as they were not a quar- 
ter of a mile from the house. 


4 


I Alvin started down the mountain guiding his 
' wife, who he saw grew weaker at every step. 
And when he reached their home and helped 
her to the couch the crimson life blood stained 
her lips. It lasted but a moment, but it 
seemed hours to Alvin. When he laid her 
down and gave her some brandy and bathed 
her hands and face with it he was frantic with 
fear, and started on a run to his neighbors for 
assistance. 

As he passed the spring two Indians had dis- 
mounted and were drinking. Alvin cried : 

Medicine man ? ” 

‘^Heap medicine man,” said the smaller of 
the two. 

‘‘Come with me, quick!” Alvin motioned 
to follow, and they went into the house to- 
gether. The Indian knelt and said to Ger- 
trude : 

“Paleface sick ? ” 

“ I^m better now,” said Gertrude, looking 
wonderingly at her husband. 

“ Heap sick,” grunted the Indian, and going 
to the door said, “ quick back, squaw,” and in 


A Legend of 

Glenwood 

Springs 


5 


A Legend of 
Glen wood 
Springs 


a moment returned with a bunch of herbs in 
one hand and the tin cup, with water from the 
spring, in the other. In the cup he put some 
leaves of the herb and placing it on the fire he 
watched them simmer and boil. 

Not a word was spoken until he gave Ger- 
trude some to drink. 

‘ * Paleface drink when the sun comes up and 
when the sun goes down; paleface get well.” 
And he strode out of the house before Alvin 
could thank him, mounted his horse and rode 
rapidly away. 

Alvin had not noticed to what tribe of In- 
dians he belonged and went out to ask him, 
but he had started on to overtake his compan- 
ion who had not waited for him. 

The warm drink had a soothing effect and 
Gertrude fell asleep. Making the room dark, 
Alvin ran for the neighbors and giving them an 
account of the sudden sickness and the Indian’s 
assistance, with a request that they would 
watch his wife, but not waken her, he started 
up the mountain for the children. He did not 
realize how late in the afternoon it was, until 


6 


I ' 

: he looked up and saw the sun just going behind 
, the mountain. He started on a run, stum- 
bling over boulders, and calling as he ran, 
‘‘Allie! Recha ! Allie ! Papa is coming; 
here, my boy, run to meet papa ! Come ! 
come ! ! ’’ 

No answer came, and reaching the spot 
where he, with Gertrude, had left them hours 
before, he found the luncheon spread much as 
they had left it. One little hat was by, but the 
children were not there. 

‘‘Allie! Recha I ” he called ; “Oh, babies! 
don’t hide and frighten papa, but come; mam- 
ma’s sick and we must hurry back to her.” No 
answer came and the poor man ran wildly up 
the mountain, calling their names. He thought 
he heard a sound and stopped to listen, 
“^ere, papa! here, papa!” In a few mo- 
ments he was by the side of his boy, crying 
for joy and holding the child to his breast. 

“ But Recha ! Allie, where is Recha ? ” 

“Gone for flowers over there.” And the 
little fellow pointed with his finger across a 
deep ravine. 


A Legend of 

Glenwood 

Springs 


7 


A Legend of 
Glenwood 
Springs 




Come quickly! ” He took the child in his 
arms and went down the mountain side to the 
ravine, calling his little girl’s name. He knew 
the ravine well. A small stream usually ran 
through it but now, to his amazrement, it had 
swollen to a rushing river, throwing its foam 
high in the air as it dashed over the rocks. 
The spring sun had melted the snow and in a 
few days it had grown to a rushing torrent that 
drowned the voice of Alvin von Tongen and 
struck him dumb with horror when the awful 
fear crept into his heart. He cried aloud, 
“ Recha, my baby! ” 

The shadows of evening come early in the deep 
canons ; and, turning, with a sharp pain in his 
heart, he discovered that he could see but a 
short distance. Taking his boy tightly in his 
arms he hurried back, and reached his own door 
just as the darkness of night settled upon it. 

Merciful sleep still held Gertrude. Thank- 
ing God for this favor, he hastily told the 
woman what had happened and hurried her 
for her husband. Washing the little fellow and 
giving him bread and milk, the child fell asleep 


8 


! 


before he had finished his supper. Alvin put 
him in his little bed in the kitchen just as the 
neighbors arrived. 

The two men, with lanterns and warm wraps, 
started on their search for the lost child. 

Every part of the mountain was looked over 
— calling, ‘‘Recha! Recha ! ” constantly until 
they reached the river. Lying at the edge of 
the water the neighbor saw something pink, 
which proved to be Recha’s sunbonnet. Alvin 
shook with fear as he clasped it, saying : 

‘‘My poor baby ! my poor baby ! ” 

All hope now forsook them, and the two 
silent men returned to their cabins alone. 

Searching parties from the neighboring set- 
tlements helped the distressed father, but not 
even a trace of the child could be found. 
Two weeks later the daily paper, which was 
published in the little town they had so lately 
left, contained this notice : 

“Drowned: — In Colorado, in a river near 
their home, Recha, daughter of Gertrude and 
Alvin von Tongen. Body not recovered.’’ 

“Died, three days later : — Gertrude, wife of 


A Legend of 

Glenwood 

Springs 


9 


A Legend of 
Glenwood 
Springs 


Alvin von Tongen, in the twenty-seventh year 
of her age. Body will be brought home for 
burial.” 

III. 

The companion of the medicine man rode on 
ahead. Both Indians knew well the trail over 
the mountain. They had been to the eastern 
part of the state to consult one of the chiefs, 
and were returning to eastern Utah. They 
belonged to the Ute tribe, who were a division 
of the Shoshonean stock of North American 
Indians which occupied the entire central and 
western portions of Colorado and the north- 
eastern portion of Utah. 

Redfeather w^s an important man in his 
tribe. His father, now an old man, was con- 
sidered the wise man of his people. When 
business of importance was to be transacted 
with a neighboring chief, Redfeather was sent 
and the medicine man was his companion. 
Peace reigned among the tribes at this time, 
and two Indians traveling alone a long distance 
were as safe as a large band would be today. 

As Redfeather passed over the mountain and 


10 


reached the canon, he was attracted by the 
cries of a. child, and found little Recha lying on 
the ground a few yards ahead of him, her hands 
clasping wild flowers. He was ofl his horse in 
a moment, and taking the frightened child in 
his arms he held her to his breast, patting her 
head and softly singing. This soon quieted her 
and she would have fallen asleep, but this Red- 
feather did not want, so he took some water 
from the ravine and bathed her face and hands, 
and by signs and words asked her where she 
lived. 

“Me want to go home. Me want to go 
home,^^ and pointed straight ahead, in the 
direction opposite to that of her home. 

“Redfeather take papoose home, and plac- 
ing her firmly in his arm, with the other he 
guided his pony up the steep trail which every 
moment was taking the child farther from her 
parents. 

Redfeather again sang softly and soon Recha 
was asleep. He rode on and on, and wondered 
why he did not come upon an emigrant camp — so 
sure was he that the child belonged to them and 

II 


A Legend of 

Glenwood 

Springs 


A Legend of 
Glenwood 
Springs 


had strayed away. When he at last reached a 
high place where he could see the surrounding 
country he dismounted, and, spreading his 
blanket on the ground, wrapped the sleeping 
child in it, then took a long look in every 
direction expecting to see the campfire of the 
emigrants. 

Gathering some sticks, he started a fire, 
and watited anxiously for an answering signal. 
None came, and he threw himself down by the 
sleeping child and waited for his companion, 
wondering why he did not come and wonder- 
ing, fell asleep, just as the stars came out so 
bright they put to shame the signal fire and it 
went out. Darkness surrounded the sleeping 
Indian and little child. The medicine man, 
better known as Littledock, came swiftly up 
the mountain. He had seen the signal fire a 
mile away and knew it was for him, so hastened 
his pony. 

It was past midnight and after a long con- 
sultation, when the Indians again started on 
their journey west, Recha was in the arms of 
the man who had found her. No inducement 


Xiittledock could offer would persuade Red- 
feather to turn back and make inquiry of the 
man with the sick wife. Redfeather was super- 
stitious ; he had lost a papoose just the age of 
this one and he believed the Great Spirit had 
^iven him the child in her place. And Recha 
insisted her home was “over dar/’ always 
pointing toward the west. 

“Her home will be over there,” said Red- 
feather. “If her people want her, they can 
find her ; but they don’t live in that cabin you 
were in, Littledock.” 

“ No ; that poor sick squaw is not a mother ; 
she is only a child herself,” replied his com- 
panion. And so they talked and argued with 
themselves until they believed the Great Spirit 
had given this child to them ; and they quick- 
ened their pace, each secretly fearing that 
they would be overtaken and the little girl 
returned to her family. 

Five days later found our travelers with their 
people. Wise-Man, Redfeather’s father, after 
hearing the account of finding the Spirit Child, 
as they named her, called a council to decide 


A Legend of 

Glenwood 

Springs 


13 


A Legend of 
Glenwood 
Springs 


her future. He was an honorable old man and \ 
although the council was assembled, he did the { 
talking and decided the case himself. ^ j 

“ Recha was to remain with his people and ; 
live in the family of Redfeather until her own ( 
white father came for her, and then the child 1 
should choose between the two fathers.” \ 

For several days the little thing cried, ^‘Me ' 
'want mamma ; ” but soon she played with the | 
children and seemed as happy as any of them. 

Among the children was a little fellow who 
seldom joined in their games. He was a silent 
boy, but since the Spirit Child came among 
them he was always ready to help her, and 
would carry her on his back when her little 
legs grew tired. The first time she saw him 
she ran to him calling, Allie ! Allie ! ” And 
so she always called him after. His name was 
Colorow, but she would cry, ‘^No Colorow, 
Allie ! ” This always brought a smile to the 
boy’s sober face. 

IV. 

Years went by and no white father came to 
claim the Spirit Child. She became the idol 
of the tribe ; but was carefully guarded by 


14 


Redfeather and never went east of their settle- 
ment in Utah. When it was necessary to have 
a great council and the Ute chiefs came, Recha 
was kept in the tepee of her adopted father. 

On these occasions Colorow was her con- 
stant companion. The wise boy knew she was 
to be kept out of sight, and he was never so 
happy as when he was with Spirit, as she was 
now called. She had grown to be a girl of ten, 
with fair white skin the prairie winds had 
slightly browned, and there shone on her cheeks 
the bright, rich color that belonged to her 
Norwegian blood. She was slender in stature, 
with golden brown hair, and eyes of darker 
hue, so large and bright that Colorow called 
them stars. 

She dressed like the squaws, but the choicest 
and best blanket was woven for her. She 
reigned like a young queen among the people 
who had adopted her as their own. 

Wise-Man had been laid to rest with his 
forefathers, and Spirit had taken his place as a 
peace-maker and decided many a dfspute 
among the unruly ones. 


A Legend of 

Glenv 70 od 

Springs 


15 


A Legend of 
Glenwood 
Springs 


When [she was sixteen, Colorow asked Red- 
feather to give her to him for his wife. It was • 
no surprise to the old man or the people of 
their tribe. For years, all knew the love that 
existed between the children and they grew 
dearer to each other as they grew older. 

The day they were married according to the \ 
Indian ceremony was a day of great rejoicing. 
The Utes who occupied the Utah lands assem- 
bled at the settlement; and dancing, games, 
and sports of all kinds were indulged in; and the 
crowning act was to declare Colorow their chief. 

A year of great happiness to Colorow and 
his wife, and prosperity to the tribe followed ; 
but the beginning of the second year found the ' 
delicate health of the mother inherited by the ; 
daughter, and the rich color of her cheeks be- " 
gan to disappear. As rapid as Gertrude’s 
decline had been, so it was wdth Recha. Colo- ( 
row advised with the medicine man, and it was ( 
quickly decided to take her to a hot spring 
called “ The Yampah ” in Colorado, and known 
only to the Utes and by them used as a wonder- 
ful cure. 


The journey was long, but they reached the 
spring one beautiful morning just as the sun was 
commg above the mountain, and cast its glo- 
rious rays on the little group as they gazed on 
the wonderful valley before them. 

Absolute silence reigned, until the sound of 
running feet fell upon their ears, and, between 
the hills where the town of Glenwood now 
stands, a herd of deer came swiftly down to the 
river. Colorow and his little party were silent 
and watched them unobserved, but the ponies 
dashed forward with a loud neigh, and the deer, 
alarmed, made a mad rush across the river and 
disappeared up the hill back of where the Hotel 
Colorado now stands. 

Blankets were spread and Recha made com- 
fortable, until the tent or tepee was put up near 
the steam that came from an opening in the 
ground, like a soft, white cloud. This opening 
was the entrance to the cave through which 
the sick were lowered down with ropes and 
blankets. This opening now serves as a win- 
dow at the top of the old cave, and is the same 
through which Colorow carefully lowered Recha. 


A Legend of 

Glenwood 

Springs 


17 


A Legend of 
Glenwood 
Springs 


V. 

It was early spring when they arrived and 
the valley with its sheltering mountains, hold- 
ing the sunshine and bringing through the brown 
earth the grass and flowers, made a garden 
Recha called her own. The first warm days so 
delighted her she showed signs of improvement. 
The spring the Indians named Yampah was her 
special delight. She would sit for hours and 
watch the boiling bubbles chase around the lit- 
tle pool. She loved the moss that collected on 
the top, and would play with it like a child, 
and, like a child, she gathered the wild flowers 
that bloomed at the very door of her tepee. 
And Recha could always be seen with a bunch 
of the brightest in her hand. 

One of her greatest pleasures was to watch in 
some secluded spot the game come down to the 
spring. They loved the salt and would lap it 
like a delicious morsel, and then drink from the 
river but a few feet away. Magnificent elk, 
with their great antlers outspread, would play 
about the place like kittens, and so much pleas- 
ure did this give Recha, Colorow would not 
allow his men to shoot them. When a deer or 

i8 


antelope was needed, they were shot far from 
the spring. 

What a paradise was this spot for those mon- 
archy of the forest, and for the Indians, who 
enjoyed the waters and looked upon them as a 
gift from the Great Father — the medicine ground 
of their tribe for over a century. It was their 
Mecca. 

No wonder they gave it up reluctantly and 
looked upon the white man as their enemy, 
taking from them their lands and these springs 
held sacred by them for many years. 

Recha’s improvement was as surprising toCol- 
orow as her decline had been, and he took heart. 

‘‘Spirit, dear,” he would say each morning, 
“you look much better today.” 

“Oh, yes, Allie, I am getting so well. How 
can I help it in this beautiful place ? I wish we 
could stay here always.” 

“And why not, my Spirit, until you are 
ready to go back to our people ? But it is pub- 
lic here so near the cave ; the men will put the 
tepee in a more secluded spot. Will you choose 
it. Spirit ? ” 


A Legend of 

Glenwood 

Springs 


19 


A Legend of 
Glenwood 
Springs 


How good you are to me, Allie. Let us 
choose at once ; come !” And she led the way 
to the river and, crossing over in a canoe to 
the opposite bank, she selected a little clearing 
covered with fresh, new grass. 

^^Here, Allie, this is the place; it is beauti- 
ful. Look to the right ; we can see far down 
the river and how like a silver ribbon it looks, 
glistening in the lovely morning sun. And see 
the colors on either side of the mountain, from 
olive green to the most delicate tints — and the 
browns and yellows ! Oh, is it not beautiful ? 
And look, Allie dear, across the river, up that 
narrow valley, the same colors, with the rich, 
red mountain to the right, and the peaks, one 
above the other, towering high.’’ 

Why, Spirit, dear, how much you love na- 
ture. You are my true Indian princess. You 
were born to reign in a place like this.” 

Could it be more beautiful, Allie? Tell 
me, do all people live as we do, in the open 
air ? Do they dress as we do ? ” 

‘^Why do you ask that. Spirit ?” and a little 
look of uneasiness came into Colorow’s face. 
‘‘Allie, it seems like a far away dream, but I 


20 


saw men dressed differently from our people ; 
women with black clothes fastened about the 
wais't — and — and — ’’ 

‘^It was all a dream, my Spirit; think no 
more about it. I will get the ponies and take 
you up the river. I was there yesterday and 
saw a mountain that reached to the clouds.’’ 

Recha, on her pony, with her red blanket 
gracefully worn, her long brown hair, according 
to the Indian fashion hanging down her back, 
but brushed from her fair face which was now 
so full of happiness, with her great eyes eagerly 
looking forward as the changes in the scenery 
grew more beautiful, was a picture Colorow 
never forgot. On this early spring morning, as 
they rode up the Roaring Fork, suddenly Recha 
exclaimed^ — 

‘^Oh, Allie, look ! look ! see that mountain 
of snow ! Why, its peak is above the clouds ; 
and see, it’s pink and lavender in turn, as the 
sun strikes it. Was anything ever so beautiful ? ” 

‘‘I knew my Spirit would say just these 
words,” answered Colorow, looking into her 
face with pride. 


A Legend of 

Glenwood 

Springs 


21 


A Legend of 
Glenwood 
Springs 


This was Recha’s favorite ride. She would ; 
say : 

‘‘Allie, I never see this mountain the same; / 
it’s always different ; the clouds throw new ^ 
shadows and the sun gives new tints. It’s ever \ 
changing. ” r 

The tepee was put on the ground selected by ’ 
Recha and made as inviting as it could be for 
the fair young invalid, who grew stronger, and 
the color so recently lost was fast returning. , 
Early one morning, two months after Colo- ; 
row and Recha had settled at the springs, a ■ 
messenger came, a young Indian from the Ute I 
tribe in Utah. He was from Redfeather, who > 
begged Colorow to return at once, as war with a ) 
southern tribe was threatened and it would not ^ 
be safe for him to remain longer away. 

Recha heard the message with a sad heart. 
She loved her new home and the thought of 
leaving it gave her great pain. 

^‘Oh, Allie, I hoped we could always stay 
here,” and tears came in her eyes. 

^‘We can come back. Spirit. Redfeather ' 
would never have sent for us, knowing your 


22 


health, if it were not necessary we should go at 
once.’^ 

‘‘At once? Oh, Allie ! ” 

“Yes, Spirit, as soon as we can pack and 
you’ve been once more in the cave. Let us 
go there now and take our breakfast after.” 

The bath was quickly taken. Colorow was 
in haste. A war with the Crows had been the 
dread of the Utes for years, and yet the young 
bucks were wild for it. It had been hard to 
hold them back. Colorow felt his blood mount- 
ing to fever heat as he hastily assisted in their 
packing. 

He did not notice that Recha ate no break- 
fast, and he was a little impatient when she 
asked : 

“ Allie, can’t we go once more up the Roar- 
ing Fork? I must see my snow mountain be- 
fore I go. ” 

It was a moment before he answered : 

“Yes, Spirit, you shall go, and while we are 
away the men will have everything packed and 
we will start at once on our return.” 

The ponies were brought and Recha’s saddle 


A Legend of 

Glenwood 

Springs 


23 


A Legend of 
Glenwood 
Springs 


made secure for a long journey. She could 
ride bareback, and liked it better, but since she 
had been ill Colorow had a saddle fixed for her 
and she had become quite used to it, although 
in their short rides she had gone bareback and 
was a fine rider, knowing no fear and riding at 
the fastest pace. Colorow showed his great 
haste when he jumped upon his pony and giv- 
ing it a jerk he flew ahead, Recha following, 
urging her pony and laughing at Colorow. She 
had never seen him in this mood and it rather 
pleased her to see his spirit. They were not 
long in reaching the bend in the river that gave 
them the fine view of the mountain she loved. 
Their ponies stood perfectly still while each 
gazed at the beautiful mountain, and Colorow 
was the first to turn with a sigh. 

Allie, dear, just a moment longer,” and she 
lingered after Colorow had turned to go. 

Come, Spirit, we will be late ; come ! ” And 
riding up to her horse’s head, took him by the 
mane and turned him about. The animal did 
not like it and shook his head nervously, but 
Recha patted him on the neck and quieted him; 


24 


and so they rode down the trail at a quick pace 
until they again came to a bend in the river, 
when both horses stopped so suddenly they 
nearly threw their riders. Not twenty feet in 
front of them, coming on a run, were two im- 
mense bears with some little cubs. When they 
saw the horses and riders, the male bear stood 
erect and then came rapidly toward them. In an 
instant a shot rang out from Colorow’s gun, 
which he always carried, but it did not injure 
the bear, who continued to advance while the 
she, bear and cubs waited in the trail. 

The horses became frightened and com- 
menced to tremble, as if they would run. 

I Again the shot rang out, and this time it hit, 
which frenzied the bear with pain, and on he 
came, growling and snarling. 

Recha’s horse became unmanageable, and 
Colorow grabbed him by the mane ; but he 
i could not get a good hold and away he ran, 
ij fairly leaping over the bear with the cubs, and, 
j half stumbling, threw Recha. She was not 

I yet well used to the saddle ; her foot in 
I some way got twisted in the stirrup, and she 


A Legend of 

Glenwood 

Springs 


25 


A Legend of 
Glenwood 
Springs 


was dragged partly on the ground and partly on 
the side of the horse. 

Colorow saw, and in an instant dashed after 
her. Recha’s horse had a minute’s start, 
and with the awful sight before him he yelled 
and plowed his spurs deep in the horse’s side 
and soon he was near enough to catch the 
horse, which jerked him off his own ; but it 
stopped the mad beast, who fell never to rise 
again. 

In an instant Colorow cut the strap that held 
the stirrup and pulled his wife far out from the 
dying horse. 

Spirit ! ” he called, “ Spirit ! speak to me, 
just one word. Oh, God, she must not die ! 
Spirit ! Spirit ! ” 

‘‘Allie,” came faintly from the poor lips, 
but it was enough. Taking her in his arms he 
mounted his horse and started on, just as the 
men reached him. They had heard his yells 
and ran up the trail, knowing there was danger. 

The trouble was quickly told ; and one re- 
moving his blanket, they laid her carefully in 
it and carried her to the springs. 


26 


The tepee that had been packed was quickly 
up again, and Recha laid on the blankets. 
Then the medicine man carefully examined 
and found her leg was twice broken ; her body 
a mass of bruises, and it was easy to see she 
had been injured to the death. 

Colorow was wild with grief. He moaned 
and prayed to the Great Spirit, blaming him- 
self for all that had happened. 

Recha never regained consciousness and her 
gentle spirit went out just as the sun she loved 
so well was passing behind the mountain. 

It was then Colorow became crazed. He 
lacerated his flesh and tried to kill himself. 
They bound his hands and feet and guarded 
him. 

From exhaustion he slept for hours. When 
he awoke his mind was clear, tears came to his 
relief and helped him to bear the great loss. 

His love for Recha was so natural, so true. 
He was but nine when she came among them, 
and as children their love grew with their years. 
Colorow knew no other, and now it seemed as 
if his life had gone from him, the sunshine 


A Legend of 

Glenwood 

Springs 


27 


A Legend of 
Glenwood 
Springs 


blotted out, and for him nothing but cruel dark- 
ness in the future. 

Wrapping her in her blanket they buried her 
in the place she had selected and had called 
their home. Then Colorow and his compan- 
ions rode mournfully away. Qnce he looked 
back — a ray of sunshine rested on the mound. 

‘^I’ll be back, my beloved. I’ll be back,” he 
called, the tears running down his face. Then 
turning to his companions and giving his horse 
a sharp touch with his heel, he cried : 

‘‘Oh, but it is hard to leave her there 
alone ! ” 

Colorow learned on his arrival in the settle- 
ment that the two tribes of the Shoshonie In- 
dians, the “Tookarika, or Mountain Sheep 
Eaters,” a fierce tribe, had attacked the “ Ho- 
kandikah, or Salt Lake Diggers,” and the latter 
had called on the Utah Utes for help. A fierce 
Indian war followed. Colorow led the Utes 
and he rushed into the hottest of the fighting. 

He had no fear of death. The enemy soon 
learned that the young buck that led his men 
so fearlessly was Colorow, the chief of the 


28 


Utes. Y^ung, strong and brave, he made a 
record as a fighter that never forsook him. 
The Hokandikah were victorious, and Colorow 
was a great chief among his people. Other 
tribes feared him and he was known far and 
wide. 

When peace was again restored he went to 
the grave of his Spirit ; reaching there in the 
early morning he saw a ray of sunshine resting 
on the mound, much as he had seen it when he 
left. 

‘‘A welcome to me ; yes, a welcome to me, 
my Spirit.’^ 

He chanted a prayer, his eyes resting on the 
spring ; the steam from the hot water was ris- 
ing in the early morning air. 

He looked, it took shape, he started forward. 
Plainer he saw the form, with outstretched 
arms, through the veil of mist. 

‘‘Spirit!’’ he cried, “Spirit! It is my 
Spirit ! ” and fell upon the ground with arms 
reaching toward the spring. There were In- 
dians at the cave for the baths. They had 
seen a strange Indian and were watching him, 


A Legend of 

Glenwood 

Springs 


29 


A Legend of 
<jlenwood 
Springs 


and when they saw him fall they ran and helped 
him. 

‘‘Did you see it?” he asked, looking won- 
deringly at them. 

“No, we saw nothing, only heard you cry 
out and saw you fall. What is it, Colorow ? ” 
for they recognized him. 

“It was for me, only me. Call that spring 
the Spirit Spring for it has shown me my wife, 
my Spirit.” And he motioned them away, say- 
ing he wished to be alone. 

Until the Utes in Utah were attacked by 
Walker’s band in 1855, and the Mormons com- 
menced to take their lands, Colorow made the 
pilgrimage every spring to the grave of his 
wife. Then when the little band left their 
lands and were driven farther east toward the 
mountains, his people demanded he take an- 
other wife. Sons and daughters were born to 
him, and soon all but Colorow forgot there 
ever existed the “Child Spirit” that came to 
their tribe so many years before. 


30 


Two sumtners ago, on my way across the 
continent, I stopped a few weeks at the Hotel 
Colorado, near Glenwood Springs, now made fa- 
mous by civilization and the hand of man. It 
was my pleasure to go early to the Yampah 
Spring for a drink of the hot water. One morn- 
ing, feeling restless, I went earlier than usual 
and found, sitting near the curbstone of the 
spring, an old man watching the mist as it 
rolled up, making little clouds in the brisk 
morning air. 

He moved uneasily as I approached, as if I 
had disturbed him. 

I took the cup and filling it with water handed 
it to him, saying : 

“Will you have some, sir?’’ 

“No! no I I could not drink it,’ and he 
turned toward me a face wrinkled and brown, 
with the high cheek bones so well known to the 
Indian. 

I was interested at once and drew him into 
conversation. 

“Ah, young man,” he said, “I’ll answer 
your questions after you’ve answered mine.” 

“Gladly, sir; if I can give you any infor- 

31 


A Legend of 

Glenwood 

Springs 


A Legend of 
Glenwood 
Springs 


mation, command me/^ And I motioned him 
to a seat. 

With his eyes ever on the spring, he asked: 

‘‘What is that large building up there be- 
yond the trees ? ’’ 

“That is the hotel, sir. The Colorado.^’ 

“So,” and he pointed with his hand to the 
pool. “And this water, what is it ? ” 

“A pool,” I answered, “the waters of the 
hot springs flow into it, and the people bathe 
here for health and pleasure.” 

“So,” and he sighed heavily. 

“There are caves of hot steam and — ” 

“Yes,” he said, before I could finish, “I 
was in it fifty years ago.” 

“Fifty years ago ! Impossible, sir ! I heard 
only yesterday that it was about twenty years 
since these springs were discovered.” 

“To the white man, yes, but to my people, 
no. For many generations it was theirs ; here 
they healed their sick ; here was their hunting 
ground ; here I brought Spirit ; here I buried 
her,” and tears rolled down his old face. 

I looked at the man in astonishment. I 


32 


could not understand his strange words and 
began to wonder if I had been talking to one 
bereft of his reason. 

He saw my bewilderment and laid his hand 
upon my arm. 

‘^You do not understand, why should you?’^ 
and he looked toward the spring. The mist 
was not so heavy, the air was getting warmer. 

^‘No, I do not understand,’^ I answered with 
much curiosity, ‘^but I should be glad if you 
would tell me.” 

^^Then, listen,” and the old man with his 
eyes on the spring told me the story of his 
love, as you have already read it. 

You will ask how did he know of Recha’s 
parents ? He told me after her death Red- 
feather confessed to him that when Spirit was 
ten years old his conscience had worried him ; 
he could not rest until he had gone back to 
the little house by the iron spring. There he 
saw Alvin von Tongen and his son, and he 
knew Spirit was the daughter and sister of the 
two men before him. 

From them he learned of little Recha’s loss 


A Legend of 
Glen wood 
Springs 


LtfC. 


33 


A Legend of 
Glenwood 
Springs 


and drowning and the mother’s death and their 
New Jersey home. The father had ended his 
sad story by saying : 

‘‘Poor little Recha, she is better off; now 
that her mother is gone I would not call her 
back.” 

Redfeather returned to his tribe feeling, 
as the father expressed it, that Recha was 
“better off.” And from that time she was 
more closely guarded, until he heard the von 
Tongens had returned to their eastern home. 

As the old man finished his story, he said : 

“ Fifty years have passed. I am an old man, 
and I, too, must soon go to the great hunting 
ground, but my heart has longed for one more 
visit to the grave of my beloved ; but where is 
the spot? I must go to it.” 

“ Come with me. Chief Colorow; let me show 
you the place as it now is, but first breakfast,” 
and I led the way up the steps to the hotel. 

He was well dressed, and a distinguished 
looking old man, as he walked wifh me into the 
great dining room already well filled with guests. 
I felt proud of him and proud of the knowledge 
I possessed of his life. 


34 


The day was spent with him. He wished, 
first of all, to go to the old cave. It was he 
who showed me the window that had been its 
only opening. 

The bath house, pool and beautiful lawns he 
looked at, wondering how the white man^^ 
could do so much. 

Toward evening we rode^ up the Roaring 
Fork. It was his wish. 

j 

^^Just here, he cried, ^‘did her horse take 
fright. This road was then a trail and the 
beasts who caused it all were there, a little to 
the left. The trees are gone, but I know the 
spot well.’^ 

He turned, and Mount Sopris stood before us. 

“ Just the same ! ” he cried, just the same ! ” 
Lifting his hat and making the sign of the cross 
on his breast, he uttered a prayer in the Indian 
language while I rode on in silence. 

On our return he watched with interest the 
polo game and remarked : 

They need but blanket and feathers to make 
them Utes. It fires my blood to see them ride.’^ 

But not so the golf. He looked with scorn 
on the game and wondered how men and women 
could walk and walk after nothing. 


A Legend of 

Glenwood 

Springs 


35 


A Legend of 
Glenwood 
Springs 


When evening came he listened to the music 
and watched the fountain with its many-colored 
lights, and the beautifully dressed women as 
they passed in and out of the great corridors of 
the hotel. 

^^Oh, brave,” he cried, ^^it is like a dream 
of heaven ! What would Spirit say if she could 
see all this, built on the very spot she chose for 
our home, her last home, my beloved.” 

He' slept that night in the rdbm next my own. 
The sun was scarcely up the next morning when 
I heard him leave his room. I jumped into my 
clothes, fearing he would be off before I could 
find him. 

No one had seen him. He had gone quietly 
out. I thought of the spring, and there I found 
him. He was standing with arms outstretched 
before it. 

The steam from it was higher than usual, 
and, as I approached, a supernatural feeling 
came over me and through my spiritual eyes I 
saw the outlines of a white-robed figure and 
heard a soft voice calling : 

‘‘Spirit, my beloved! my darling — ” 


36 


The mist slowly raised, and the figure with 
arms extended floated higher. 

Farewell, my beloved ! I have seen you ! 
I have seen you ! ” 

“YeSy” I cried, too, saw her, Colorow ; 
I saw her.’’ 

He turned to me a face radiant with joy. 
^^Oh, brave, was she nofl beautiful ? My cup 
is full, I go content. I have seen her. The 
Great Spirit has answered my prayer ! ” 

An hour later, seated on his pony, he bade 
me farewell. While holding his hand, I asked : 

‘‘You have given me your confidence. Chief 
Colorow ; may I tell your story to my friends ? ” 
“Not now, brave; this has been a secret 
mission ; my people will never know it. When 
I am gone — as you like — and now, farewell. ” 

I watched him as he rode away, not as an 
old man, but like one through joy made young. 

Last year Colorow passed on to the great 
hunting ground. History tells us he was cruel 
in war. Be that as it may, we know in his 
heart he carried a love that went with him 
through the river of death. Let us pray it 
guided him to his beloved, his wife, “Spirit.” 


A Legend of 

Glenwood 

Springs 


37 




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